Cops get lessons on how to probe child sex abuse cases

More than a hundred investigating officers (IOs) from across Karnataka attended a workshop on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act that aimed to sensitise them to the standard operating procedure to be followed while probing cases of child sex abuse.

Inaugurated by the state police chief, Neelmani Raju, the workshop delved into the specific challenges in coordination, the hurdles or gaps that need to be fixed and plugged, the steps to resolve and address them and specifically the procedures to be followed by police when handling Pocso cases.

Dos and don'ts for IOs

* The child must not be kept/asked to come to police station between 6 pm and 6 am.

* A complaint is sufficient to register an FIR; the statement of the child can be recorded later.

* A copy of the FIR and medical report is the right of the child/family/guardian.

* In cases of incest, it should be assessed whether the involvement of the family in the case is in the interest of the child. * A chain of the custody of samples should be maintained during all stages.